The great attrition of employees shows no signs of slowing. Recent reports from management consultant McKinsey suggest that as many as 40 per cent are considering leaving their jobs, usually to seek a different type of career or “non-traditional work”, including temporary or part-time roles.
According to one survey, money is an issue, but it’s definitely not the only issue. “Meaningfulness of work” and “adequacy of workforce flexibility” around issues such as working from home are also front of mind. The key, it seems, is a sense of personal control, both to define how and where work happens, as well as how it aligns with workers’ personal values.
Some readers will wince at this. Others will view it as a short-term phenomenon that emerged during the pandemic. Once this novelty wears off and recession hits, workers will become less demanding. Or so the current argument among many corporate leaders goes.